One of the best investments you can make in camping gear is cast iron cookware. Properly cured and cleaned, it can last for generations. You can even restore an old, rusted piece of cast iron to its former glory with a few simple steps. Here are some quick tips on how to care for cast iron cookware.
Restoring an old or rusty piece of cast iron is easy, and there are a couple of different methods. One way is to heat the cookware in the oven, placed upside down, to loosen the rust and debris. Then soak it in a mixture of water and vinegar to remove any buildup. Only soak it long enough to loosen the gunk, and for no more than four hours. Scrub the pan with a nylon brush and wash with soap and water, drying thoroughly afterwards.
Another method is to scour the pan with steel wool and then wash thoroughly with soap and water as you would any other cookware. Dry the clean pan completely with paper towels or a clean dish towel. Once free of rust, it’s time to get the pan ready for cooking.
Prepping a newly cleaned, or newly purchased pan is called seasoning, and is super simple. People who have never used cast iron cookware are sometimes put off by this process but it takes almost no effort. Using a soft cloth or paper towel, rub a thin coating of cooking oil over the inside surface of your pan, then place it upside down in a 350 degree oven for one hour. Let it cool and you’re good to go! The pan can be re-seasoned as needed over time.
Never use soap to clean your seasoned skillet. It will remove the oils you used to make it non-stick as well as possibly taint your food with a slightly soapy taste. Instead, pour in a small amount of water and some coarse salt. Give the pan a light scrubbing with a nylon brush, then dry thoroughly to avoid any rust buildup. Some folks just wipe the pan clean with a paper towel and never wash it at all.
Cast iron is a great tool to have on hand for the campfire and can be used to make everything from breakfast to dessert. Properly caring for your cast iron cookware can lead to a multitude of delicious meals for years to come, so be sure to take the extra time to do it.
Featured Image from Helinton Fantin/Unsplash
